The Critical Thinking Path to Controlling Cognitive Biases
Stra​nd: Soft Skills
Cognitive biases restrict and even prevent the acceptance of new information, but the introduction of critical thinking may help control bias. The importance of understanding cognitive bias is evident in the daily interactions of instructor and student. The challenge is recognizing the pre-conceived notions that accompany many students and instructors to the classroom. This session will explore how adult education instructors might use critical thinking to understand and control cognitive bias. 

Dr. Phyllis Atwood
Calhoun Community College

Authentic Communication Development for Leaders
Strand: Community Partnership Developmnet

This presentation defines what true authenticity is and how it translates to effective communication in the workspace. Humorously detailing examples of success and failure through storytelling. The audience will laugh, relate, and let their guard down to learning as rapport is established.

Kimberly Y. Lewis
Professional Speaker, Consultant, and Coach

Geometry and Measurement in the Real World

Strand: GED/HSDO Instruction

This presentation demonstrates engaging and interactive Geometry and Measurement lessons that have real world applications. These multi-step problem-solving lessons will help prepare students for the TABE, GED, and WorkKeys Test. 

Kimberly Scott
Central Alabama Community College

The Softer Side of Overcoming Barriers to Learning

Stra​nd: Soft Skills

How do you open discussions about barriers to learning? Join this session to explore the reasons students are apprehensive about beginning or returning to an academic journey. We are prepared to meet physical (food, clothing, transportation, technical) needs, but the softer, sometimes overlooked, emotional and mental barriers to learning are just as disabling. Learn how to incorporate the softer side of knowledge progression with discussion techniques to facilitate overcoming learning barriers.

Dr. Phyllis Atwood
Calhoun Community College

Activating Social Change Agency Through Soft Skills Instruction

Stra​nd: Soft Skills

Calling all BINGO players! Join this session and learn while you play! Each letter of BINGO corresponds to barriers we and our students face every day in our quest for knowledge, conflict management, sustainable employment, and promotability. Topic headings are Beliefs, Incentives, Nonsense, Grace, and Obstructions. Let’s play!

Dr. Phyllis Atwood
Calhoun Community College

Barrier Bingo

Stra​nd: Soft Skills

Calling all BINGO players! Join this session and learn while you play! Each letter of BINGO corresponds to barriers we and our students face every day in our quest for knowledge, conflict management, sustainable employment, and promotability. Topic headings are Beliefs, Incentives, Nonsense, Grace, and Obstructions. Let’s play!

Dr. Phyllis Atwood
Calhoun Community College

Chris Miller
Aztec Software

The Best of Both Worlds - Offering Learners a Choice

Strand: GED/HSDO Instruction

The right mix of face-to-face classroom instruction and online software can lead to a more effective program where learners are taught how to become more independent. Student engagement is improved and motivation to learn is increased when academic content is delivered through print materials and online software that both target the same learning objectives. The focus of this session gives teachers and learners a flexible instructional approach that integrates high-quality digital content with traditional print instruction to personalize learning for students. 

Future-Proofing Learners with Digital Literacy Skills

Strand: Digital Literacy and Technology

In this session, presenter Rachel Price will discuss the impact digital literacy skills have on improving employment outcomes. She will also share job posting data from Emsi Burning Glass that demonstrates which digital skills are growing in demand. Attendees will also learn about how to incorporate learning activities into their programs or courses to develop individuals’ skills. 

Rachel Price
Paradigm Education Solutions

Let's Talk About Apprenticeships

Strand: Career Pathways - IET

Join us for an informal discussion on establishing apprenticeship programs on your campus. In this panel discussion, audience members will hear from representatives of Northwest-Shoals Community College's CTE 101 Pathway to Apprenticeship Program, POWER 5 HVAC Competency-Based Apprenticeship, Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) Apprenticeship, and Non-Credit Machinist Apprenticeship Program. Presenters will discuss the similarities and differences among the programs and the successes and challenges of implementing each program.

Rachel Price
Paradigm Education Solutions

Chris Miller
Aztec Software

Teaching the Academics Means Reading to Learn

Strand: GED/HSDO Instruction

Adult education teachers come from diverse educational backgrounds. Not all teachers are trained to help struggling readers navigate across the different subject areas. We will preview several methods that will help teachers give learners a better understanding of how to approach science, social studies and other academic subjects and will give learners a more organized way to approach learning course content. Active learning strategies presented in this session will help participants understand the transition from "learning to read to reading to learn."

Chris Miller
Aztec Software

How to Increase Your GED® Pass Rate - Really!!

Strand: GED/HSDO Instruction

Data from GED® Testing Service gives us insight into what skills we need to focus on that will impact your learners’ test performance. Join us for a close look at the High Impact Indicators compiled by GED® Testing Service that highlight key foundational skills and specific critical thinking skills. Practical teaching strategies for critical thinking skills will be discussed. We will also take a close look at the High Impact Indicators that focus on each subject on the GED® Test and have been included in our newest Paxen Steck-Vaughn GED® 2nd Edition series along with new practice exercises that builds workforce skills through real-life content.  

The Game Factor

Strand: GED/HSDO Instruction

This session is designed to inspire educators to employ gamification strategies and the use of game-based learning (GBL) as a means to improve student achievement. In this module, participants will get an opportunity to examine gamification strategies and game-based learning examples as a means to deepen the conceptual knowledge of students.

Jerelle Hendon
Lawson State Community College

IELCE/IET Tools

Strand: English as a Second Language - IEL/CE IET

Identify some practical ways to bring soft skills and “can do” tasks into the ESL classroom. Bookmark resources and participate in implementation activities.

Dawn Saint
Northeast Alabama Community College

Producing Plain English

Strand: English as a Second Language - IEL/CE IET

Examine and participate in some resources and strategies to actively engage our ESL students in everyday speaking and writing activities.

Dawn Saint
Northeast Alabama Community College

Collaborate, Consult, and Consider

Strand: English as a Second Language - IEL/CE IET

Bring your questions, concerns, common sense, and curiosity to this session where we will have an opportunity to interact face to face with our ESL colleagues and friends about the issues at hand.

Dawn Saint
Northeast Alabama Community College

Stepping up our Language Skills

Strand: English as a Second Language - IEL/CE IET

Explore strategies to bring increased rigor into all four realms of ESL, while lowering student anxiety and bolstering confidence.

Dawn Saint
Northeast Alabama Community College

Literacy Tools and Techniques

Strand: English as a Second Language - IEL/CE IET

Attendees will learn strategies to teach phonics, vocabulary and reading comprehension skills to literacy learners of many levels (both ESL and non-ESL). Attendees will learn how to adapt face-to-face techniques to virtual learning and will explore online resources designed for adult basic literacy students.

Dawn Saint
Northeast Alabama Community College

Technology Tips for Students and Teachers

Strand: English as a Second Language - IEL/CE IET

Strand: Digital Literacy and Technology

Help the lowest level of ESLs gain competence with user names and passwords and how to “log on.” Explore the hidden gems of Zoom that will make any virtual class more interactive.  

Dawn Saint
Northeast Alabama Community College

Achieving Measurable Skill Gains with Essential Education

Strand: GED/HSDO Instruction

This session will focus on GED Academy and TABE 11/12 Academy and best-practices to ensure your students are HSE ready! We will focus on the LMS as well as the student experience so that teachers can take advantage of the many resources embedded in the Programs. We are pleased to introduce our Motivational Videos and other NEW features to support your teachers and keep your students engaged and moving forward. The presentation will also focus on our Work Readiness programs...Work Essentials, Computer Essentials, and Money Essentials and how these programs can be used to prepare your students for entry into the workforce! With our correlated print materials, we are able to support your blended learning initiatives. I hope you will join us as we take a deep-dive into the many resources offered by Essential Education!

Stephanie Eichner
Essential Education

The Alabama Department of Corrections Working together with Alabama Department of Labor to Break Barriers to Build a Better Work Force
Strand: Corrections Education
The Alabama Department of Corrections and the Alabama Department of Labor have collaborated on a project to establish a full Career Center within the secure confines of Limestone Correctional Facility. The ADOC and ADOL have collaborated for years on hiring events, Career Center services, and workforce development. It was time to further this relationship. The result has been a collaboration to begin steps to establish the first ever Career Center inside a secure prison. This new initiative will be the first step in establishing even more cooperation with the ADOC and ADOL and may be the first of its kind in the nation.

Kevin Kidd
Alabama Career Center System

M. Stanford Robinson
Alabama Department of Corrections

Introducing PaceWare: The Online Pace Learning System

Strand: GED/HSDO Instruction

Pace has developed a new online learning management system! PaceWare provides online access to Pace diagnostic testing, self-paced tutorial lessons, and mastery testing. It also maintains the unique, time-tested design, ‘programmed’ work process, and robust, competency-based assessment that makes Pace so effective for struggling learners. Join this workshop to see how PaceWare works and learn more about active pilots in ABE and correctional programs.

Clint Massey
Pace Learning Systems

SHHHH it's a Secret ACE

Stra​nd: Soft Skills

Training for Alabama Career Essentials.

Courtney Monnette
Alabama Community College System

Closing The Gap - Identifying Where We Lose Students and How To Get Them Back!

Strand: GED/HSDO Instruction

Connecting students with adult ed has never been more critical! Keeping those students connected is equally critical. Learn about some innovative, yet surprisingly simple, strategies to connect, engage, and retain students - regardless of your program size, budget, or staffing structure! We’ll help you identify those critical points in your program where you can close the gap for a record year!

Neil Richmund
ConnectAble

Amy Richmund
ConnectAble
 

Bridging Learners from Academic Skills to IET

Strand: Technology and Program Data

Integrated Educational Training is upon us! Now we need to discover, uncover, and connect basic reading and numeracy skills to career pathways. Come to this session to learn how to use problem-solving, project-based learning, and critical thinking to rethink your IET!

Dawn Saint
Northeast Alabama Community College

AAESAP Basics

Strand: Technology and Program Data

The AAESAP Team will be covering the basics of the system for new users. This presentation is especially important for teachers and data entry specialists. Topics will include what AAESAP is, how to navigate it, what help is available, what resources are available within the system, and how to use grids. This presentation will include many hints on how to get the most out of AAESAP.

Paula Thompson and the AAESAP Team​
Alabama Community College System/Alabama Supercomputer Authority

What's New in AAESAP

Strand: Technology and Program Data

The AAESAP Team will be covering what has been added to AAESAP over the last year. This presentation is important for teachers, data entry specialists, financial staff, and program directors. Topics will include new reports, resources, and other pages that have been added or updated in the last year. This presentation will include tips to using many of the new pages in AAESAP.

Paula Thompson and the AAESAP Team​
Alabama Community College System/Alabama Supercomputer Authority

MSGs in AAESAP Part 1

Strand: Technology and Program Data

With the recent federal changes to MSG in adult education, there have been multiple changes in AAESAP. These changes will allow programs to report more MSGs than they have been able to in the past. This presentation will go over all the changes, the rules surrounding them, and the reports to help monitor performance for the changes. It will also touch on the rules in AAESAP for all MSGs. This presentation is important for teachers, data entry specialists, and program directors.

Paula Thompson and the AAESAP Team​
Alabama Community College System/Alabama Supercomputer Authority

MSGs in AAESAP Part 2

Strand: Technology and Program Data

With the recent federal changes to MSG in adult education, there have been multiple changes in AAESAP. These changes will allow programs to report more MSGs than they have been able to in the past. This presentation will go over all the changes, the rules surrounding them, and the reports to help monitor performance for the changes. It will also touch on the rules in AAESAP for all MSGs. This presentation is important for teachers, data entry specialists, and program directors.

Paula Thompson and the AAESAP Team​
Alabama Community College System/Alabama Supercomputer Authority

AAESAP Tools to Monitor and Drive Program Performance Part 1

Strand: Technology and Program Data

Join state staff and the AAESAP Team to learn about tools in AAESAP that you can use to monitor and drive program performance. Topics will include things such as how to understand and drill down into performance information on the dashboard and reports particularly useful for monitoring and program improvement. Monitoring and performance terms and acronyms such as POP, EEFL, EFL Gain, MSG, and PY will be defined and discussed. Where to look in the system for information on these terms and how they affect you will be covered as well. This presentation is especially important for teachers, data entry specialists, and program directors.  

Paula Thompson and the AAESAP Team
Alabama Community College System/
Alabama Supercomputer Authority

AAESAP Tools to Monitor and Drive Program Performance Part 2

Strand: Technology and Program Data

Join state staff and the AAESAP Team to learn about tools in AAESAP that you can use to monitor and drive program performance. Topics will include things such as how to understand and drill down into performance information on the dashboard and reports particularly useful for monitoring and program improvement. Monitoring and performance terms and acronyms such as POP, EEFL, EFL Gain, MSG, and PY will be defined and discussed. Where to look in the system for information on these terms and how they affect you will be covered as well. This presentation is especially important for teachers, data entry specialists, and program directors.  

Paula Thompson and the AAESAP Team
Alabama Community College System/
Alabama Supercomputer Authority

The ACCS Innovation Center--Delivering State-Wide Credentials for Workforce Training

Strand: Workforce Initiatives - AWSP, MAPS

The Innovation Center, a division of the ACCS, has partnered with business and industry to create custom programs that rapidly train individuals in the non-credit sector. Courses deliver the ACCS Credential indicating mastery of a specific skill set and providing stack-ability into the next short certificate with articulated credit or a tuition discount. Adult Education programs at each Alabama Community College should be able to utilize these courses. This presentation will show you how to take advantage of this opportunity for all students. 

Mara Harrison
Alabama Community College System

Julie Frizzell
ACCS Innovation Center

Teaching Through the Pandemic: Effective and Engaging Distance Learning Strategies

Strand: GED/HSDO Instruction

Teaching through a Pandemic can prove challenging to instructors who have taught face-to-face for years. There are teaching strategies to help students stay engaged in distance learning as well as tools we can use to make learning effective and instruction easier.

Rhonda Adams
Bishop State Community College

The Resume for the Digital Age

Strand: Digital Literacy and Technology

As technology advances in the job search market, the way employers find employees is ever-changing. The tradition of providing a potential employer with a resume has not ceased. As educators, we must help our students navigate these unfamiliar waters. The resumes of the past will not work. Many companies are using applicant tracking systems. If one's resume is not correctly formatted, it will never pass the ATS and make it in front of the employer's eyes. I invite you to come learn how to create a 21st-century resume that WORKS for your students, passes the ATS, and makes it to the interview stack.  

Lee Hall
Wallace Community College

Elevating the Orientation Experience – Attracting and Retaining Students from the Start

Strand: English as a Second Language - IEL/CE IET

An overview of the Orientation process in the Adult Education program at Shelton State Community College (SSCC). A review of what currently works to increase the number of students at Orientation and the process in which retention is developed. Attendants will be given the opportunity to experience what students experience when they come through orientation at SSCC, as well as useful material that can be implemented in their own orientation.

Mary Rainey
Shelton State Community College

Jenna Lofthus
Shelton State Community College

Life Experiences as a Building Block for Intensive Reading in Beginning Level ESL Classes

Strand: English as a Second Language - IEL/CE IET

When asked what skills they need to improve, many adult English language learners say speaking and listening. Rarely do the skills of reading and writing make the top of the list. This session will present ways to make intensive reading more exciting and relevant for emergent readers by using their own life experiences as a foundation to build crucial reading skills. The specific topic used in building this lesson was TORNADOES. 

Mary Rainey
Shelton State Community College

Teaching Through the Pandemic: Effective and Engaging Distance Learning Strategies

Strand: GED/HSDO Instruction

This presentation will look at tips for contacting online students, simplifying the enrollment process, simplifying online testing, and creating materials that are interactive and interesting to students. Programs used will be Google Voice, Google Classroom, Google Suite Applications (Forms and Docs), as well as some well-known websites: Essential Education and WorkKeys Curriculum. This presentation will also talk about setting clear expectations and communicating with students in an efficient manner. A sample Google Classroom is available for clarification.

Shelby Luna
Northwest-Shoals Community College

Taking It to The Streets: Multi-Facets of Orientation

Strand: Student Recruitment and Retention

The passion of an Adult Education Program is to make on-boarding (also known as orientation) as stress-free as possible for the participant. Welcome aboard!  This presentation will share ideas as to how to provide various approaches to orientation in this new environment: onsite, virtual, and computer-based. In addition, this presentation will share high-energy and engaging activities that lead participants to an adult education class. After completing the session, you will have new tools that add energy to your onboarding.

Tunisia Billingsly
Lawson State Community College

TABE and TABE CLAS-E Updates

Strand: GED/HSDO Instruction

TABE and TABE CLAS-E are the leading assessment for both Adult Basic Ed and Adult ESL. Participants will learn about the newest versions of TABE including features and functionality as well as instructional uses for both assessments. Teachers will also review the diagnostic reports for TABE to understand the instructional resources and how to apply the testing data to instructional practices.  

Christi Morgan
Data Recognition Corporation

Digital Tools for Career Breakthroughs

Strand: GED/HSDO Instruction

Digital resources can help keep our classrooms running, but they don’t always let us maintain the same level of interaction we’re used to. In this presentation, we will introduce you to PBS LearningMedia, an online repository consisting of thousands of interactive and engaging activities for your students. Please join Kentucky Educational Television (KET) and Alabama Public Television (APT) as we demonstrate how to access and use online resources to engage and involve students face to face and at a distance. Attendees will view APT's video series Career Forward, KET’s Adult Education Collection, and receive a free trial to KET’s FastForward and Workplace Essential Skills!

Kathy LeCroy
Alabama Public Television

Richard Sellnow
Kentucky Educational Television

7 CARD STUD: Seven Strategies to Increase Accuracy in Reporting

Strand: Technology and Program Data

Do you have the winning hand? Join us for an interactive session to learn seven best practices to increase accuracy in reporting. This session is geared toward data specialists and instructional coordinators. Program best practices will be shared by panel presenters and feedback will be solicited from the audience. The goal is to provide information that will aid in ensuring that data is collected in a timely manner and that all information is correctly entered into the Alabama Adult Education System for Accountability and Performance (AAESAP).

Dr. Terri Dunn
Alabama Community College System

Elizabeth Wilson
Coastal Alabama Community College

Jonathan Smith
Enterprise State Community College

Lets Get it Started: The Ice Breaker

Strand: Student Recruitment and Retention

This presentation will be engaging with high-impact activities. It will share techniques as to how to welcome participants through stimulating icebreakers, educational games, and enlightening activities to start the class off each day. These fun activities will help energize participants and guide them into the instructional actions for the day. When the day is done, participants will be on the edge of their seats, the next class will not get here fast enough. Retention is the key.

Gwen Ekundayo
Lawson State Community College

The Three C's of an IET: Braiding Workforce and Adult Education Services and Funds

Strand: Career Pathways - IET

Integrated Education and Training is an innovative way to increase program performance through close collaboration with college partners. IET programs enhance student performance and retention thus creating increased outcomes in CTE and Workforce programs. Learn how to design an effective IET program through the 3 “C”s and avoid common design mistakes that effect reporting outcomes. 

Dana Wolfe
Alabama Community College System

Burlington English for Specific Careers—Your IET Solution

Strand: Career Pathways - IET

Strand: English as a Second Language - IEL/CE IET

Strand: Digital Literacy and Technology

As adult programs across the country struggle to find resources to support IETs, Burlington English is here to help. Our English for Specific Careers courses provide students with the vocabulary, language, and soft skills needed to successfully obtain and retain employment in their chosen career. Covering all 16 DOE career clusters and over 180 specific jobs ensures that we support a multitude of IET programs with dynamic needs. Come see how our ESCs help your IETs! 

Lori Wedner
Burlington English

Breaking Down Silos Through Integrated Academics

Strand: Career Pathways - IET

Be sure to join this informational panel discussion on Integrated Academics with panelists from Adult Education and Career Technical Education Programs at Northwest-Shoals Community College. What is Integrated Academics? Who are the partners? Where do we begin? What are the challenges? What are the benefits?

Northwest-Shoals Community College

Shelby Luna

Leslie Tomlinson

Taylor Franks

Ginger Jones

Tara Branscome
 

Creating Community Partnerships and Making Them Work

Strand: Community Partnership Development

Please join us to gain insight behind Northwest-Shoals Community College’s (NW-SCC) Adult Education and Ready to Work Programs’ partnerships with community leaders, community members, and community organizations. Partnerships exist to break down barriers and expand education and training services to the Shoals area’s underserved. In addition to the creation of the NW-SCC FORGE Committee, we will discuss unique partnerships created with Safeplace Inc., Community Action Agency’s Forward Program, and more!

Northwest-Shoals Community College

Mandy South

Crissy Broadway
 

Compassion Fatigue: Recognizing and Preventing Burnout

Strand: Community Partnership Development

This workshop will define compassion fatigue, identify the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue, and share tools for engaging in adequate self-care. Additionally, the workshop will highlight positive consumer outcomes achieved in the Coaching for Excellence in Employment Program by utilizing coaching tools and resources. These tools and resources may minimize compassion fatigue and produce stress management skills and resiliency skills which lead to finding satisfaction and purpose in your work.

Family Guidance Center of Alabama

Renee' Smith

Shauntice Belser
 

Panel Discussion: Pathway Programs, IET Development

Strand: Workforce Initiatives - AWSP, MAPS

Come learn more about IET and Pathway program design with our professional, experienced partners. Various projects from around the state will be featured in today’s panel. Time will be given for questions and collaboration to enhance attendee learning. We look forward to seeing you!

Dana Wolfe
Alabama Community College System

Student Engagement

Strand: Student Recruitment and Retention

This class will demonstrate ways we engage students in our Ready to Work and MSSC courses, and how we can recruit students for our programs.

Hollie Patterson

Chad Carney

Data Geeks

Strand: Technology and Program Data

Join us for a fun filled seminar that will teach you how to interpret data in a new and informative way. Use AAESAP, not only to view program and classroom performance, but to extend your reach into new recruitment pipelines. Learn how to “dig deep” and find those students who are no longer attending to grow program retention and outcomes. Delve into teaching strategies to produce student engagement and enhance student performance. 

Alabama Community College System

Taylor Franks

Ginger Jones

Tara Branscome
 

GED Testing Service Update

Strand: GED/HSDO Instruction

This session will provide a current update and highlight the diverse platforms of resources, tools, and professional development opportunities.

Adora Beard
GED Testing Service

How Work-Based Learning Programs Help Students Through Completion and High-wage High-demand Occupations

Strand: Career Pathways - IET

How to create Work-Based Learning programs from Pre-WBL to being hired for a high-wage high-demand occupations. I will talk about the importance of recruiting for the Pre-WBL programs into our CTE WBL with on-the-job training. You will get examples of how to set up these programs and the importance of working with your Adult Ed team. In this presentation, I will talk about braiding funds and how to encourage students to continue their education with these WBL opportunities across our state.

Audrey Webb
Alabama Community College System

Integration means combining separate parts smoothly to improve effectiveness.  WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!

Combining technical skills and academic subjects is a successful model to improve student retention and completion of career pathways. Have you ever wondered how Adult Education and Career Technical Education Instructors co-teach? Please join us as Adult Education Instructor, Mrs. Gloria Butts, and Welding Program Instructor, Mr. Brian Keeton, model teaching. Gain useful tools and ideas to take back to your program and/or classroom.

Northwest-Shoals Community College

Gloria Butts

Brian Keeton